Evidence of Potentially Harmful Psychological Treatments for Children and Adolescents

What metrics of harm are being captured in clinical trials involving talking treatments for young people? A systematic review of registered studies on the ISRCTN

“…developmental capacity) and psychological (e.g. mental capacity) vulnerabilities associated with this life stage (Mercer, 2017). Additionally, young people may feel forced to comply with treatment due to power imbalances between them, their parents/carers and their clinician (Hayes et al, 2015;LeFrançois, 2008).…”

“…One review explored potentially harmful treatment with four specific adverse childhood experiences: physical hurt or humiliation, physical abuse, and not feeling loved or important (Mercer, 2017).…”

Exploring harm in psychotherapy: Perspectives of clinicians working with children and young people

“…developmental capacity) and psychological vulnerabilities (e.g. power imbalances, multiple stakeholders and mental capacity) which may result in different as well as more severe types of harm (Mercer, 2017).…”

“…One review explored how therapies could be classified as harmful by using the concept of PHT combined with four specific adverse childhood experiences: physical hurt of humiliation, physical abuse, not feeling loved or important, and neglect (Mercer, 2017). Using this framework, four therapies were identified as harmful: Conditioning/Operant Punishment, Holding Therapy/Attachment Therapy and Diagnosis, Festhaltetherapie (Holding Time, Prolonged Parent–Child Embrace) and Conversion therapy (Mercer, 2017). The author posited whether the identified therapies should be made less readily available or even prohibited.…”

Involuntary Youth Transport (IYT) to Treatment Programs: Best Practices, Research, Ethics, and Future Directions

“…According to Mercer (2017), potentially harmful psychological treatments that inflict physical or emotional harm or cause lasting psychological damage must be identified and avoided. Safeguarding human rights and promoting selfdetermination are also important issues for youth in residential care, especially when treatment is involuntary.…”